The Armed Forces with their vastness need to be automated. The use of computers in every field is inevitable though the software may differ from unit to unit. The need for different softwares has been growing every day. To bring the IT industry and the Army on one platform, a seminar-cum-exhibition on IT was conducted in New Delhi recently.

Computer literacy will be given the topmost priority in the Army. This was stated by the Chief of Army Staff, Gen S Padmanabhan while inaugurating the two-day seminar-cum-exhibition on "IT in Defence : Challenges for Industry". The seminar was conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in cooperation with the Army Headquarters.

The COAS said that every year Armed Forces personnel irrespective of their ranks are being imparted computer training. This is to enable the personnel to work on computers more easily.

Gen S Padmanabhan further stated that presently automation has stepped into material management and e-mail through intranet would help reduce the use of paper work. The Army is making its best effort in the field of IT and with partnership with the industry, it can achieve its goal, he added.

The guest of honour at the seminar, Mr Yogendra Narain, Defence Secretary in his address stressed the need for protection of information. Loosely protected information can be attacked by many, he said. The net wars and the cyber wars are taking different dimension. In cyber war the adversary may seek to destroy the information system and, therefore, a foolproof security system should be evolved, he added.

A total of six task forces were set up. One of the important task forces was set up on IT for Defence. This task force was chaired by Lt Gen S S Mehta, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (P & S) and co-chaired by Mr Vijay K Thadani, President and CEO, NIIT Limited. The task force submitted its report in December 1998 recommending a nine-point action plan. Recommendations of this task force were accepted by the Defence Ministry.

A number of IT companies had erected stalls in the exhibition and they gave demonstration to the Army IT Unit Officers. A number of senior officers of the Army and members of CII attended the seminar and discussed various issues. The interactive sessions helped both the Army and industry clarify their doubts.